A HOLIDAY company has apologised to a North-East couple who say their Greek island holiday turned into a nightmare.

Marie Burley, 27, and boyfriend Barry Liddell, 28, say they were stranded at the Hotel Alexander, on the island of Zante, after demanding an immediate flight home.

Despite a catalogue of complaints they say a holiday rep told them they must wait three days - and fork out for the cost of an early plane home.

Among a list of errors in a letter of complaint covering six pages, the couple say they were forced to pay for amenities which were pre-paid for as part of an all-inclusive package.

They claim hotel staff were rude and dismissive, the hotel was "filthy" with a bird's nest and droppings on the staircase, alcoholic drinks were watered down and a limited menu often came to the table stone cold.

Miss Burley caught a tick infestation from an unclean bed, and both she and her partner suffered gastro-enteritis.

The couple, who live in Chilton, County Durham, have demanded a full refund for the holiday, which they booked at Lunn Poly, Bishop Auckland.

Miss Burley said: "I was hoping for a relaxing trip but instead I got inedible food and watered-down drinks in a hovel - not what I'd expected after paying more than £700."

A spokesman for tour operator JMC said: "We are very sorry to hear that Ms Burley and her party were disappointed with their holiday in Zante. We would like to apologise.

"A recent internal inspection by JMC Holidays satisfied the company that the Hotel Alexander was operating at a good standard, in keeping with its two-star rating."

Lunn Poly said it was "extremely sorry to learn that Ms Burley was unhappy with her accommodation and the assistance provided to her party in Laganas, Zante, by tour operator JMC. At no time did Ms Burley indicate she was unhappy with the service provided by Lunn Poly," said a spokesman.